“Broglia went on to say that longtime patrons already know the place is closing, sounding as if Pasta Mia had begun its final countdown. The owner said his lease expires on Feb. 28, which could mark Pasta Mia’s last day of service. Broglia said he would know more in a couple of weeks when he next talks with the landlord.”

Cajun Experience closed in mid-July 2012 at 1825 18th St, NW. In Aug. 2012 we noted the space was for lease. Now I’m hearing Jackie Greenbaum of Jackie’s in Silver Spring and El Chucho in Columbia Heights – is likely opening up a new restaurants here. Details are scarce but more info if/when it becomes available.

In this morning’s post about Blue Banana closing, a reader mentions hearing a cigar bar could be going in just down the street at 3622 Georgia Ave. If true, think that would be a good addition to the block?

Back in June 2012 we learned that Lite Stars bistro closed at 2101 L St, NW. A reader hears that the space will become a second Stoney’s location. Their first location is in Logan Circle at 1433 P St, NW (after moving from 1307 L St, NW.) You can see their menu here. Updates as more info becomes available.

UPDATE: What a difference a word makes – as many commenters already predicted – it’s not a Joe’s Crab Shack but rather a Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab – according to the Washington Business Journal:

“The District’s version of Joe’s, a popular seafood and steak restaurant with locations in the Windy City and Las Vegas, will seat more than 500, with total occupancy of nearly 800, catering to the office and tourist set alike.”

One reader passes on some scuttlebutt about the renovation that has started at 1700 2nd St, NW:

“Rumor has it that it will be 9 one bedroom apartments and then a restaurant on the ground floor. As is the nature of a rumor I can’t confirm any of this… but just seeing that this place is getting attention is great news.”

And thanks to another reader, Caitlin, for sending the photos. Stay tuned for more info and updates on the renovation as construction progresses.

A bit of interesting scuttlebutt this morning – a tipster sends word that an “evening food market and bar” is coming to the former art gallery (in the old Hunted House) space at 1830 14th St, NW. The proposed market will be filled by various food truck-type vendors (some who are apparently quite well known) as well as a beer/wine bar. They expect to open around May. Could be awesome. More info as it becomes available.

Earlier in the week Eater DC had posted a tip that Tynan Coffee’s Friendship Heights location had closed at 5310 Western Ave. NW (Wisconsin and Western Ave, NW.) A good source tells me that the space will likely become a Le Pain Quotidien. Stay tuned.

Heads up – DC Fish Carry Out [where MPD had previously found large quantities of crack cocaine] on the corner of 14th and Otis closed, it looks like they are planning on turning it into a Mexican restaurant… I live nearby so I’ve been hearing a ton of construction, I asked the guys inside today and they told me about the restaurant. They said it should be open in a couple weeks.